United States AttorneyDistrict of Oregon

Crook County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Loaded Firearm After Being Convicted For A Crime Of Domestic Violence

EUGENE, Ore. – Willard Bryan Wilhelm, 33, of Crook County, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted in an Oregon court of the misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilhelm pled guilty without a plea agreement to possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted in an Oregon court for Assault in the Fourth Degree Constituting Domestic Violence. As a result of his state conviction, Wilhelm was warned he could no longer lawfully possess a firearm and ammunition. Yet on July 19, 2012, in Prineville, Oregon, police officers were called to Wilhelm's residence and found him in possession of a loaded rifle. He was arrested. Two female adults and four children were present in the residence when Wilhelm was taken into custody.

U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall stated, Not every abuser who owns or possesses a firearm will use them to threaten, kill, or injure others, but if an abuser has access to a firearm, it is far more likely that a homicide, suicide or serious injury will occur. My office will prosecute those convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors who subsequently possess a firearm.

Sentencing is set for May 10, 2013, at 10 a.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken. The maximum penalty for possessing a firearm or ammunition after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the

Prineville Police Department, and was referred to the U.S. Attorney‘s Office for prosecution by Crook County Deputy District Attorney Katherine Krauel-Hernberg. The matter is being prosecuted in federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank R. Papagni, Jr.

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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives United States Department of Justice